The Tamaqua Zoning Hearing Board Monday evening granted approval for the special use of a home for an art studio.

Louis Belovich had requested the special use in order to operate a studio in his home on 315 Schuylkill Avenue. A special use permit is required under the borough zoning ordinance for a home occupation in a residential (R-2) district.Chairman Richard Clemson read a letter from the Tamaqua Planning Commission, which met on Sept. 14 regarding Belovich's request and unanimously recommended approval of the home studio.Belovich said he plans to use his home, particularly his living room, for digital art, primarily scanned from black and white photos. He noted he doesn't expect many customers, perhaps no more than a couple in any particular day. He doesn't plan any evening hours. Belovich is also known for playing his accordian at DiMaggio's La Dolce Casa restaurant in Tamaqua on weekends.Tamaqua Code Enforcement Officer James Barron, who also serves as assistant zoning officer, said that home occupations must take up no more than 25 percent of the residence.Belovich said his living room is less than 25 percent of the 1,700 square feet in his home but suggested he is considering using his attic for storing picture frames. Barron said that would be permissable as long as customers did not frequent the attic, otherwise a second exit would be required as a fire exit.Zoning Board Member Clyde Robertshaw asked about parking availability. Belovich said there are four on-street parking spaces available across from his house as well as two spaces in front. He said he would also inquire about the use of spaces in a nearby lot.A question arose concerning signage. External signs can be no larger than 1-1/2 square feet, noted Clemson and are allowed on the side of a building but cannot extend out over the sidewalk in a residential district.The board voted unanimously in favor of Belovich's request, with Clemson, Robertshaw, Frank Kane and Christine Hartung casting the positive votes. Member Karl Smulligan was absent.Accoring to the report issued by Allen R. Breiner, zoning officer, there were eight permits issued for this month.Jeanine Herring, Nescopec Street, and the New Life Assembly of God, Schuylkill Avenue, received permits for off-street parking. Kitty Delmaro, W. Broad Street, was issued a permit to operate as a Physic Reader and Advisor. David DiCarlo, East Broad Street, received a permit to construct a patio roof. Cindy Schroeder, Barnesville, was issued a permit to operate a candy store and install a sign in the Tamaqua train station. Michael Kane, Mahanoy Street, was issued a demolition permit to tear down a garage and construct a new one. Robert Feliciano, West Broad Street, received a permit to install a sign. Marvin Schuetrum, Spruce Street, got a permit to construct a garden shed.